Fresno, California – A sweltering heat advisory grips California’s Central Valley, with cities from Merced to Bakersfield facing dangerous highs up to 104 degrees through 11 p.m. Tuesday. Residents across Fresno, Hanford, Visalia, and dozens of smaller communities should brace for oppressive heat that could threaten health and disrupt daily routines.
According to the National Weather Service in Hanford, this advisory covers a wide swath of central California—including Fresno, Tulare, Kings, Madera, and Merced counties—where temperatures will peak each afternoon and linger well into the evening. The heat wave is expected to stress power grids, increase the risk of heat-related illnesses, and raise concerns for the most vulnerable, including children, seniors, and outdoor workers.
Major roads such as Interstate 5, Highway 99, and routes through the foothills will bake in the afternoon sun, making car trips riskier for anyone unprepared. Local officials urge residents to stay hydrated, remain indoors with air conditioning, and limit outdoor activities to early morning or late evening hours. Check on elderly neighbors, never leave pets or children in parked vehicles, and know the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
This stretch of triple-digit heat follows a trend of intense July temperatures in the region, reminiscent of last summer’s record-setting streak. The heat advisory remains in effect until 11 p.m. Tuesday, with possible extensions if high temperatures persist. Stay tuned for further updates as conditions evolve.
